Reflections for the 5th week of Lent, Part 2

Thursday – I AM

“I AM.” Nothing Jesus ever said raised the Jews' hackles more than these two little words. “I AM,” Yahweh, is the divine Name, given to Moses by God Himself and rarely if ever pronounced by the Jews because of its sacred quality.

For Jesus to say this Name out loud was shocking enough, but for Him to apply it to Himself, to claim it as His own, was astounding. The Jews considered it blasphemy of the worse kind, and in their anger, they picked up stones to throw at Jesus.

But Jesus didn't back down. He knew Who He was, and it was time that everyone else did, too. By saying “I AM” in such a decisive fashion, Jesus was announcing His divinity, proclaiming His intimacy and equality with the Father, and letting the Jews know that the Messiah they had long awaited had now arrived. Except the Jews had never expected a Messiah like this. They weren't looking for God Himself. Yet that's exactly Who they got.

Friday – He Heard My Voice

In today's Psalm, the Psalmist rejoices that God has heard His voice. We, too, should rejoice, for God always hears our voices. Even when we think He isn't listening, He is. Even when we think He isn't answering us, He is. Even when we think He is ignoring us completely, He is right beside us, hearing our every word, our every thought, our every cry and wrapping us in His love.

Saturday – St. Joseph

Today on this Solemnity of St. Joseph, let us pray.

St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who believed God's word, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who acted according to God's plan, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who remained always chaste, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who protected Mary and Jesus, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who worked hard to support his family, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who put others first and himself last, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who conquered his fear, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who lived with great love, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who died in Jesus and Mary's arms, pray for us.
St. Joseph, who cares for us as a loving father, pray for us.
Amen.